100 Kenyan Shillings Banknote (1994)

100 Shilingi / Shill Shilling (Issued 1989-1995)

The Central Bank of Kenya — known in Swahili as Banki Kuu Ya Kenya — was established in 1966, just three years after Kenyan independence, assuming responsibility for monetary policy, currency issuance, and the regulation of the country’s financial system. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the bank oversaw a significant period of currency development, producing the Arap Moi Series that reflected both national identity and evolving security printing standards. These notes were issued under the authority of the bank’s board, bearing the dual signatures of the Governor and a board Member, and circulated as legal tender throughout Kenya until the series was eventually withdrawn. Understanding the institution behind this note is essential context for anyone seeking to exchange Kenyan shilling banknotes from this era in the United Kingdom.

On the front, the note is dominated by a formal portrait of Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, second President of the Republic of Kenya, positioned to the right of centre and identified by a printed caption reading “Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, President of the Republic of Kenya.” The portrait is rendered with fine intaglio-style engraving, showing Moi in a dark pinstriped suit with a white pocket square, facing slightly to the left, with a composed and authoritative expression. The overall colour palette of the front is warm, combining shades of ochre, olive green, and reddish-brown. At the top centre, the issuing authority is declared in bold text as “BANKI KUU YA KENYA” with “CENTRAL BANK OF KENYA” printed beneath it in smaller lettering. Centrally placed is the Kenyan national coat of arms, featuring two lions as supporters flanking a shield, with a cockerel atop a traditional Maasai shield, all rendered in fine detail. Beneath the coat of arms, the date “1ST JANUARY, 1994.” is printed, accompanied by the statement “FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS” and two facsimile signatures labelled “GOVERNOR” and “MEMBER” respectively. The legal tender declaration reads “LEGAL TENDER FOR ONE HUNDRED SHILLINGS” in small capitals above the coat of arms. The serial number AX7032869 appears twice — once vertically along the left edge in red numerals, and once horizontally to the upper right in black. To the left of the central vignette, a finely detailed engraving of a red rose adds a decorative botanical element, with additional rose imagery near the lower left corner. The denomination “100” appears in large numerals at the upper left and lower left corners, while the Swahili denomination “SHILINGI MIA MOJA” is boldly printed across the lower portion of the note in a yellow-ochre banner. The borders are filled with intricate geometric and guilloché patterning in green and red, and a vertical security strip is embedded within the paper and partially visible when the note is held to the light.

The reverse of the note is printed predominantly in shades of purple, lilac, and grey-blue, centred on a striking architectural vignette depicting the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi — a modernist structure recognisable by its distinctive conical tower rising above a circular auditorium, with a flame or torch motif visible at the pinnacle. Flanking the main building are two oval medallion frames, each containing detailed engravings of what appear to be elephants, rendered with fine cross-hatched linework. Flags are visible flying on either side of the building, and water features or a reflecting pool are suggested in the foreground, with trees and foliage to either side. In the background, the dramatic silhouette of a snow-capped mountain — likely Mount Kenya — rises into the sky, adding depth to the composition. At the top of the reverse, “ONE HUNDRED SHILLINGS” is printed in bold black serif lettering. The denomination “100” appears in large numerals at both the upper left and upper right corners, enclosed within orange-red bordered rectangular frames that echo the design style of the front. To the right of the central vignette, a series of circular coin-like vignettes are printed in a vertical arrangement, each containing detailed imagery that mirrors Kenyan coinage designs. The background of the reverse carries a detailed guilloché rosette pattern in pale tones, visible through watermark areas, with a geometric diamond-patterned border running along the top edge in a darker brown band.

Sell foreign coins and banknotes the simple way: this 100 Shillings banknote can be exchanged through Webuyallcurrency.com together with other old or withdrawn Kenyan Shillings banknotes, all settled in a single transaction.

• Indicate the quantity of 100 Shilingi / Shill Shilling banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Exchange foreign coins and banknotes the easy way — Webuyallcurrency.com buys Kenyan Shillings banknotes, current or discontinued, and combines them with the rest of your leftover currency for one simple payment.

Other Kenyan Shillings you can exchange: 5, 10, 20, 50, 200, 500, 1000.